Know Your Schmetzer

Although we know a lot about Brian Schmetzer, come Feb. 28 it’s certain we will know a lot more.

That evening Washington State Legends of Soccer is presenting Brian Schmetzer: This Is Your Life at The Market Arms in Ballard, and the lineup of guests promises to reveal a few more ingredients to the Schmetz special sauce.

Of course, we are fully aware of his opening act as Sounders FC head coach. You know, when in mid-summer Schmetzer somehow righted a listing ship and steadily steered it through stormy waters, finally bringing home the bounty of an MLS Cup. We are also cognizant that Brian was born and raised in Lake City. It’s what happened along the way in connecting those two events that Tuesday night’s audience will absorb.

Beginning with a lifelong friend and teammate from the vaunted Lake City Hawks and continuing through a selection of family, friends, former teammates and coaches, patrons should be going home with plenty of fresh Schmetz stories to share at future games or watch parties.

It’s also an opportunity to get to learn about the Washington State Legends of Soccer. In brief, The Legends is a non-profit organization seeking to honor, preserve and celebrate our collective achievements in the game, and reinforce the values and sprit that make this state the greatest soccer community of its kind in America.

To date, the Legends have been collecting artifacts, photos, video and stories that stitch together the history of the game in these parts, a past that extends nearly a century prior to #Bornin74. Yes, that predates Washington statehood. Truth be told, this land was legendary well before that MLS Cup was raised, for the exploits of early pioneers or ethnic teams, breakout players, coaches or officials and, yes, certainly our fans.

We stand tall because this soccer community was built squarely the backs of generations of people who loved this game, and that love has grown and been exemplified in so many ways. The Legends want to share those stories and inspire the writing of new chapters through such events, plus an online presence and other projects still in their infancy.

So come and hear one such story, of a local lad made good, who–despite being confronted by a tumultuous time in American soccer–found his way to the top job of his beloved hometown side. Brian Schmetzer’s story is one you’ll be re-telling to future generations.